A Florida couple, Keisha Epps, 51, and Tamra Marshon Stewart, 37, face child neglect charges for allegedly keeping four children confined within the cab of a tractor-trailer for approximately seven years. The children were reportedly denied adequate showers, restroom access, and opportunities for outdoor exercise, according to arrest records.
Investigators stated the children had not attended school for about five years. They were allegedly kept inside the vehicle for the majority of their days since December 2019, as Epps, a truck driver, operated a route between Miami and Atlanta. A detective observed the children walking with an "unnatural gait" attributed to their confinement.
The children reportedly received poor nutrition and no medical or dental care, even for emergencies. One child recalled sustaining a severe burn from cooked noodles that resulted in a permanent scar because neither Epps nor Stewart sought medical treatment. The report indicated that Stewart would supervise the children while Epps slept, showered, or drove.
According to reports, the children disclosed instances of sexual abuse by Stewart and that Epps witnessed this abuse. When confronted, Stewart allegedly physically assaulted the children. The report also stated that one child was found to have an untreated sexually transmitted infection. All four children shared a bunk in the truck cab, described as too small for them to lie down comfortably.
Epps and Stewart were arrested on August 6, 2026. Both have been charged with four counts of child neglect, a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison, probation, and fines. Prosecutors noted their actions constituted a "committed, willful failure or omission to provide a child with the care, supervision, and services necessary to maintain the child’s physical and mental health."
"Capital sexual battery charges" are also pending against Stewart, to be filed in the 9th Judicial District. Under Florida law, convictions for sexual battery of a child under 12 can result in the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole.
Information regarding the children's ages, sexes, and relationships to the couple has been redacted from court reports. Epps and Stewart are being held in the Duval County Jail. Epps' bond was set at $400,012, while Stewart is being held without bond. They are awaiting trial.